What kind of line should I use for my boost gauge?

["Turbo-T"]

For installing a boost gauge in my car....would it be best to use something other than a nylon line? Can a braided line be used on a boost gauge? I don't want it to kink and not read. Thanks.

 

[gossamer]

I have an autometer boost gauge and used the 1/8" nylon line that came with it with no problems. Braided line would be OK if you could find some small enough in diameter. I used a larger diameter line years ago, and it made the gauge "flutter" when under vacuum at idle. I assume it was too much volume in the line? just my $.02:smile:

 

[Boost231]

i use brass line on mine

 

["Turbo-T"]

Eh, ok. I was just wondering because today I installed a new boost gauge only to find it wasn't working. When I pulled it out I found the nylon feed line was kinked in one area and was wanting to kink in other areas.

 

[gossamer]

If you use the nylon line, just make sure you don't make any tight bends or it will kink or split over time. Keep it away from alot of heat too:smile:

 

[salvageV6]

For the highest accuracy and response you want the smallest line possible which is usually the 1/8" line stuff.

Copper or brass if available is stronger than nylon but can work harden over time if exposed to vibration.

I haven't seen that problem on my oil pressure line which is plumbed in at the top of the turbo on both cars in about 10 years of use now, but I tie mine off well and it doesn't vibrate that I can tell.

Nylon should be fine for most boost gauge installs, tie it off so it won't kink and move, especially if it's in a pod and has to run down the A pillar column and out a hole in the firewall. Watch out for those 90 degree turns.

 

[Blown&Injected]

The copper line is best but I used the same nylon for a loooong time on both my oil and vacuum/boost gauges with no problems and it was still working but close to breaking-up when I went to copper.

 

[scottyb]

I've been using the nylon line that came with my autometer for 6 years now. I can't tell you about accuracy, but I can say that the gauge is smooth and linear, and I have had no issues at all - daily driver and in use for 75k miles.

 

[chrisgarrett]

Are you using tubing from the hardware store or the auto parts store? Hardware nylon tubing is too soft and will kink.

 

["Turbo-T"]

I don't know. It was there when I bought the car. It's black, if that says anything.

 

[chrisgarrett]

I never saw a black one. Go to the parts store and get new tubing. The stuff from the parts store is very stiff and will not kink.